Private Tour
Walk In Moses' Footsteps - Tour between Tabuk and The Red Sea
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
There are several sites around the Middle East that claim to be "Mount Horeb" or “Mount Sinai” but no location has as much amazing evidence to back up such claims as Jebal Maqla and it's suroundings in Saudi Arabia.
We will take you to the heritage sites around Tabuk and the Red Sea, tell you what the local bedouins believe about these sites as well as the conclusions we've reached so far based on the ongoing research we and others have performed in the region.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
In some places we can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
In case of journey extension to climb to Elijah's cave or summit of Jebel Maqla, traveler's should have a strong physical fitness level.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Tips - optional
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Explore the beach and the oasis
Accommodations
Overnight in a local hotel apartment in Haql, in a double or twin room. Other options are available upon request.
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Pick up from Tabuk Airport
Haql
The Red Sea crossing point in Saudi Arabia, across from Nuwaiba Beach, attracts numerous visitors due to its historical significance. We believe that this is the area where Moses and the Israelites crossed the Red Sea during the Exodus. Visitors can explore the site and get a glimpse into the biblical events. Additionally, the beach itself offers stunning views of the Red Sea and its crystal-clear waters.
Wadi Tayyib Al Ism
The Elim Oasis where Moses and his people camped after leaving Mara, is located in the Wady Tayyb Ism valley in Saudi Arabia. This place is a breathtaking natural paradise surrounded by towering rock formations with several wells the government has preserved for the local bedouins to water their animals. The oasis and the valley further into the canyon are known for their lush greenery, clear blue water pools, and an abundance of date palm trees. It offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration in the heart of the desert.
Visit historical sites and venture on a spectacular climb
Accommodations
Overnight in a local hotel apartment in Haql, in a double or twin room. Other options are available upon request.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Jethro's Tombs is a place similar to Petra in Jordan or Mada'ain Saleh in Saudi Arabia. It is believed that one of the caves is Jethro's tomb, who was the father-in-law of Moses. In the same town of Al Bad', or Madyan as locals call it, you can also visit the well where it is believed that Moses took care of Jethro's daughters and helped her take out water for her sheep. Perhaps this is where he met his future wife, Sephora.
Visit and climb up to The Split Rock of Horeb, in the Rephidum area. The story says God told Moses to strike a rock and water will come out of it to quench the thirst of the people. Just a few minutes drive further, you can witness ancient petroglyphs carved on black stones on top of a hill. Perhaps this is the hill on which Moses stood with his hands up while Joshua went to fight the Amalekites in the valley.
Search of ancient landmarks or climb to the summit
Accommodations
If you are not flying out today, you can book your hotel or extend your journey to climb/visit places like Al Ula.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Jabal Al-lawz
Visit Al Lawz Mountain area with its peaks, Al Lawz and Maqla. This mountain range is believed to be referred to in the Exodus Story as the old Mount Sinai or Mount Horeb. You will see the camp where Moses and his people stayed, an altar made of rocks that were not chiseled and the remaining columns of the 12 pillars Moses erected before one of his climbs to the summit. Just a few minutes away, you will witness a pile of giant stones arranged as if they were purposely placed there, with many drawings carved on them depicting bulls, people, and other animals. We believe this could be the altar that Aaron built in front of the Godel Calf as mentioned in the story. Drive further for a few kilometers and you can see an ancient graveyard, believed to be the one where 3000 people were buried after they were punished for worshiping the golden calf.
Jabal Al-lawz
At the bottom of the mountain, you will be able to see the Golden Calf Altar on top of which was once erected a Golden Calf (later this was burned to ashes) and then drive to a nearby site to see a second altar with stone pillars (only a few pieces are left of the initial 12 marble pillars) which Moses build before climbing up the mountain to receive the instructions to build the Tabernacle.
Jabal Al-lawz
If you want to extend your journey by half a day (choose to camp at the foot of the mountain or return to Tabuk for the night), you can climb up to what is believed to be Elijah's cave, a climb we only advise the fit ones to do, but nonetheless, a climb that will forever change your perspective on the story of the Exodus and Elijahs. Contact us and we will arrange it for you.
Jabal Al-lawz
If you want to extend your journey by another day (choose to camp at the foot of the mountain or return to Tabuk for the night), you can climb up to one of the peaks of Jebel Maqla, again a climb we only advise the fit ones to do, but likely the climb of your lifetime. Contact us and we will arrange it for you.
Options
MOD-3D-4PAX
Pickup included
MOD-3.5D-4PAX-Cave
Climb to Elijah's cave: Adds about 4-5h extra on the 4th day to hike to Elijah's Cave. Option to camp at the base of the mountain or sleep to Haql
Pickup included
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Trip of a Lifetime
sandrasK6327GB,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I still think about my Desert Paths tour through Midian, led by Gabriel and assisted by Abdulaziz. Amazing landscapes that align with the Biblical account of Moses and the Israelites. Climbing Mount Sinai was unforgettable. The food was delicious and camping accommodations were cozy. Gabriel has exceptional knowledge of this seldom-visited area of KSA, and his passion for the area and genuine care for his guests was evident from start to finish on this tour.
An unforgettable experience
547alexandrapatricia,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had waited more than 17 years to finally visit Saudi Arabia. It all began when I went to Mt Sinai in Egypt - and a fellow traveler mentioned another mountain in Saudi Arabia as being the real Mt Sinai. I was intrigued - however at that time, the area was inaccessible. Once I heard that Saudi had opened up to tourists, I knew I had to make the journey there pronto! I selected Desert Paths after examining many other tour companies. Desert Paths were not only affordable, they were immensely helpful, transparent and patiently answered my myriad of questions before even booking. The places we saw were amazing; our tour guide Gabriel and his assistant looked after us so well and ensured we all were satisfied with each site by giving us time to explore and abundant information on the region as well as background knowledge of the sites to enrich our experience. The vehicles used were comfortable and our accommodation was great. When my husband became sick, both guide and assistant immediately acted and assisted us with their kind support until he fully recovered - I could not thank them enough. Saudi Arabia exceeded my expectations and still lingers with me. The landscape we saw was breathtaking... it was a long-awaited experience that I will never forget.
Red Sea crossing, Split Rock, Mt Sinai
R2385AMlarryb,
Oct 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was amazing. Our Saudi guide was exceptional, Abdelaziz. Following Moses Journey Tour was a trip of a life time.
Eye Opening
Globalbrianm,
Sep 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great trip connecting biblical and history with places on the ground. The guides were knowledgable and the service friendly and covered all we needed.
Excellent desert journey
507Jarhead,
Aug 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Desert Paths was actually in late April 2022. Desert Paths was able to work with us at the time to provide a customized itinerary. Gabriel took great care of us, and provided unique insights into everything we explored. I highly recommend for those interested in this region.
Amazing trip to the Biblical sites of Exodus! 去聖經-出埃及記-的地點!
sebastiancE7731CJ,
Aug 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having read about the purported real Mount Sinai being in Saudi Arabia with seemingly convincing evidence, I did some research on some companies. There are many companies out there but in the end, I went with Desert Paths for the Land of Midian tour (3 days 2 nights). Pricing was extremely reasonable compared to others. Communication was with Gabriel who is the owner. There were some issues in the beginning due to bank details being incorrect but after that, everything went smoothly. The tour itself was well run and you can tell the trip had been done many, multiple times over the years. Everything went so smoothly like melted butter. Each and every location we visited, a passage from the Exodus (Bible) was read outloud to bring real meaning. We were able to see and climb the Rock of Horeb, see the Golden Calf Altar, see the Red Sea crossing and climb the cave to where Elijah purportedly stayed (you MUST wear proper hiking shoes for this part, otherwise it's fairly dangerous in my opinion). If you are looking to climb up Mount Sinai, be aware this will take a full day (will take about 8 hours or so) so factor this when booking. The accommodation for the two nights were perfectly adequate. We went to excellent places to eat (lunch, breakfast and dinner) and the team knows their stuff. Not one of the places we went to were bad! They were excellent. I had only been in the country for 2 days prior and was actually disliking Saudi already due to some issues, but the tour and company I was with was so fun, that my mood changed and started to enjoy Saudi Arabia. All in all, very happy! All attendees on the tour were Christian, but you don't need to be Christian to attend. I think even simply if you enjoy history, you will definitely find it intriguing. For Chinese Christians or Chinese readers in general, I have written a translation. **review has been resubmitted due to grammatical errors. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 有一些报道证明真正的西奈山（摩西山，Mount Sinai）是在沙特阿拉伯。看到这些证据后，我在网上搜索相关的旅游公司资料。最后，对比每家公司的行程和价格，我选择了 性价比最高的 Desert Paths for the Land 三天两夜的旅行团 (Midian tour)。 Gabriel 是该旅游公司的老板。我所有的行程安排都是直接和Gabriel沟通。刚开始我们的交流出现了一点问题，之后所有事情都一切顺利。 这次旅行团的行程和时间规划十分地合理。可以看得出有丰富的带团经验，所以才会这么地顺利。 我们每到一个地方，都会向我们读一段相关的圣经出埃及记 （Exodus，Bible)。 这次行程里，我们看了金牛犊（the Golden Calf Altar) 和红海 （the Red Sea crossing)，还爬了何烈的磐石 （the Rock of Horeb）和 以利亚洞穴 （Cave of Elijah)。在去以利亚洞穴的时候，最好记得带雙登山鞋，不然会很危险。如果你打算去登西奈山（摩西山，Mount Sinai），这会是一天的行程，大概8个小时左右。 在住宿和吃的方面，两晚的住宿都十分的舒适。从早餐到晚餐，带我们去了不同的地方和饭馆尝试当地特色美食。 我提前两天来到沙特阿拉伯。因为一些原因，我当时不太喜欢这个国家。经过了 Desert Paths for the Land 三天两夜的旅行团 (Midian tour) ，我的看法和心情有了一些改变，我开始喜欢沙特阿拉伯这个国家。 总的来说，这次旅行让我感觉轻松和开心。我们这次的团友刚好全都是基督徒。Midian tour同时也欢迎有其他宗教背景或者没有宗教信仰的人参加。如果你只是单纯地喜欢考古和历史，我相信这个旅行团会引起你的好奇心，让你觉得很有趣。
A great experience.
Andydr2435,
Aug 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The riches of the history involved on the area is huge. A great guided tour that is worth to plan. Excelente service. Best time to go February or March.
Eye Opening
Globalbrianm,
Jul 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was inspiring and informative. I enjoyed the nights out in the desert and each of the sights and their history.
We did the Exodus experience tour. We retraced the footsteps of Moses across the desert. What an incredible adventure.
ryanbD3579NW,
Jan 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time with Desert Paths. The food was good, the scenario was amazing, and the people were kind. Our guides were knowledgeable and helpful and always willing to answer our questions.
An excellent adventure for desert enthusiasts!
215elied,
Jan 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mamdu and Gabriel were professional, friendly, and provided a structured yet fun adventure through the desert! 💯 recommended!
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